Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 82982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
“I did not yet expect to see you so soon.” I indicated the chair in front of my desk. “Sit and tell me all.”
“Knight’s leg healed well enough to travel slowly. Lydia and I started out very early and arrived a short time ago. She handled Knight well.”
My eyebrows rose in surprise. “Lydia?”
“She grew up on a farm and is an excellent horsewoman. We went slowly, and her weight is so slight it was as if Knight was carrying nothing at all. He liked her.”
“Ah. And Geraldine?”
“Is being driven by the groom. They will arrive later, and he will spend the night and return tomorrow. I knew you would prefer to get Knight here as quickly as possible.”
“Excellent decision.”
“I also assumed you would be wanting to take Miss Smythe on to London. Have you received word from Beckett?”
“Ah.” I rose and poured us each a measure of scotch. I handed him a glass and perched on the edge of the desk. “There has been a change of plans. I have written to Beckett, but she will not be going to London.”
“She is to stay here, then? As a maid?”
I cleared my throat, took a sip of my scotch, and met his eyes. “As my wife.”
For a moment, there was silence. He blinked, looked around, then met my gaze, his confused. “I beg your pardon, my lord. I thought you said you were marrying the chit.”
“That chit is about to be my marchioness, so watch your tongue,” I rebuked him mildly. I knew he was confused. Hell, it was my idea, and I was still confused.
“Forgive me.”
“Of course. I know it was surprise that colored your words.”
“Marry her?”
“I met with the parish bishop earlier today and obtained a common license. We’ll be marrying in the parish church seven days from now.”
“My lord, I have no doubt she is lovely, but marriage? So quickly?”
I sighed and sat back down in my chair. I told him of our conversations. How she tended to me. How fascinated I found myself with her.
“It solves so many issues. I like her, Edward. I find her interesting and highly intelligent. I believe she will be a good wife and an excellent marchioness. Despite everything, she is kind and thoughtful. Gentle. She reminds me in some ways of my mother. She will stand by my side. Bear my children.” I shook my head. “I cannot abide the thought of spending time with the empty-headed chits in London. Listen as their mamas push them in my direction, citing their talents like virtues as they scheme to outdo another interested party. Dream of my money and name.” I shuddered. “Last season was almost my undoing.”
“You lasted three days, my lord, and left town. The ladies of the ton were most aggrieved.”
“I was most relieved.”
He chuckled.
“Miss Smythe is different from them all. I enjoy conversing with her. The servants already love her and are anxious to welcome her as their mistress. As am I.”
He looked thoughtful then nodded. “Then let me be the first to offer congratulations. I wish you all the best.”
“Thank you.” I tapped my thumb on the desktop as I gathered my thoughts.
“She is still fearful and wary. I hope now that Lydia is here, she will settle. I think when Geraldine arrives, the familiarity of a beloved face will help soothe her nerves as well.”
“You will be a good husband, my lord.”
“I intend to be. In that vein, I have written Beckett, requesting his wife’s help with a wardrobe for Madeleine. I explained we are to be married and require her help. I expect a swift reply.”
“She would need direction, I should presume. Measurements?” he asked, his brow furrowed. “Lydia would be able to do that.”
“I described her well, I think. Enough that Constance should be able to begin the preparations. I am not concerned.”
“You’ve thought of everything, it would seem.”
“I believe I have.”
“And this has all transpired in a matter of mere days,” Edward added. “You’re certain you wish to marry her?”
I could not find fault with my friend for his concern. I’d had no intention of marrying any time soon when we parted during the journey back to Wheaton. It was not like me, but I also couldn’t deny the rightness that existed between Madeleine and myself.
“I can see what you’re thinking, and let me reassure you that I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.”
CHAPTER 11
MADELEINE
“You look so lovely in this blue evening gown,” Lydia told me as I stood before a looking glass, sure that the young lady staring back at me was someone else.
Anyone but me.
The gown had been a bit too large for my smaller form, but Lydia was a deft hand with sewing, and with a few alterations, it now looked as if it had been commissioned for me alone. Lydia had expertly plaited my hair into a circular braid, leaving a few curls free to frame my face. I wore a new pair of slippers that were so fine they felt as if they were fashioned of clouds. I had dabbed some lilac scent I had made myself and brought with me from Cliffwood on my wrists and throat.